Our Local Chapter

2019-2020 Vision Statement
As we discover strength, deepen character, and develop poise, we empower ourselves to unleash true potential.
How to Get Involved

Monthly Chapter Meetings
Monthly meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, networking begins at 11:00 a.m., meal is served at 11:15 a.m., program begins at 11:30 a.m. and ends at 1 p.m. at Grasslands Golf & Country Club, 1600 Grasslands Blvd Lakeland, FL 33803. Please note that if you make a reservation, you are responsible for payment even if you do not attend. You may assign a guest to attend in your place; guest please notify us on check-in.
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Networking Events
Business networking events are held on the 4th Wednesday of each month, 2 weeks following our monthly chapter meeting. Meet your fellow ABWA sisters while promoting your business. Gold Sponsors and above get to host the one networking event per year with a 20 minute presentation. Silver Sponsors co-host with a 10 minute presentation each. See our Sponsorship page for details on becoming a sponsor.
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Professional Development
Part of the ABWA mission is to provide professional development opportunities for our members. Our Professional Development events occur approximately once every quarter and feature speakers and activities designed to meet the needs of our members. These events can be anything from Using Social Media in Your Business, to Learning Public Speaking and much more.
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New Member Luncheon
New members are invited to attend our quarterly new member luncheon, hosted by the Lakeland ABWA Executive Board. Board members and committee chairs welcome new members and provide additional information on the Lakeland Downtown Chapter and details on what to expect with your new membership.
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Leadership Symposium
Our Annual Women’s Leadership Symposium provides a platform for women to learn from a wide array of industry leaders, and network with other professionals in a comfortable setting. Admission includes a light breakfast, lunch and an opportunity to interact with our speakers through discussions and breakout sessions.
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Chapter Award Winners
Top 10 Business Women Nominees
2019 - Trina Kingery
2018 – Trina Kingery
2017 – Kristin Burton
2016 – Susan Chandler
2015 – Mary Stephenson
2014 – Maria Martinez
2013 – Kim Andreadis
2012 – Gina Berry
2011 – Jeanette Wallace
2010 – Susan Musser
2009 – Christine Boring
2007 – Lesley Corban
Woman of the Year Award Recipients
2019 - Eliska Poirier
2018 – Laura Gaida
2017 – Trina Kingery
2016 – Mary Stephenson
2015 – Maria Martinez
2014 – Jessica Minter
2013 – Gina Berry
2012 – Jeanette Wallace
2011 – Marnet Waters
2010 – Jennifer Bush
2009 – Debbie Rydberg
2008 – Kim Andreadis
2007 – Susan Musser
2006 – Lesley Corban
2005 – Teresa Sample
2004 – Carol Hall
2003 – Julia DiSpada
2003 – Bea Kilgore (Liberty Chapter)
2002 – Kim Aldridge
2001 – Cindy Ortmann
2000 – Sharon Munson
1999 – Joanne Saxion
1998 – Lisa Lott
1997 Shirley Whitney
1998 – Pat Phipps (Florida Gold Chapter)
Protege Award Recipients
2019 - Sandra Curran & Aubreigh Kennedy
2018 – Annette Miller
2017 – MeLynda Rinker
2016 – Trina Kingery
2015 – Joni Tyler, Jennifer Daniell, Lynn Browning
2014 – Kimberly Chappell
2013 – Kristin Burton
2012 – Maria Martinez, Edna Williams, Jessica Gutowski
2011 – Marion Foucher and Jessica Minter
2010 – Gilit Kontny and Monica Young
2009 – Jeanette Wallace and Gina Berry
2008 – Marnet Waters and Karen Rudolph
2007 – Debbie Barbee
2006 – Christina Moore
Manber of the Year
2016 – Stego Blue
2014 – Jason Venning
Woman of Excellence
2016 – Maria Martinez
He Rocks Award
2014 – Jonathan Crain
Recruiting Awards
Inner Circle Award (22 recruits): Jeanette Wallace, Kim Andreadis, Maria Martinez
Inner Circle Award (11 recruits): Susan Musser, Christine Boring, Kim Andreadis, Debbie Rydberg, Jeanette Wallace, Gina Berry
Circle Pin Award (6 recruits): Jeanette Wallace, Karen Rudolph, Marnet Waters, Mary Stephenson